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Fifth Victim Found in Cruso

Five individuals have been confirmed dead — Frank Mungo, 86, Franklin McKenzie, 68, Judy Mason, 73, Charlene Mungo, 83, all of Cruso have now been identified and families notified.

The fifth victim, Frank Lauer, Sr., 74, of Cruso was located today, and his family has been notified. 

“I extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Lauer and her family. We are holding the Lauer family close in our hearts, and are praying for them now in the time of their loss,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher.

Cleanup Efforts

Verizon and AT&T Cellular services in the affected areas have now been restored.

Power has been restored to 95 percent of the Cruso community. The Chinquapin Road Bridge has been repaired and is open to traffic as of 9 p.m. last night.

Heavy equipment teams are moving into the area and beginning the process of clearing the largest debris piles. The Western North Carolina Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline number is — 828-222-3975.

Residents who are working on clearing debris from their properties are encouraged to document as much as possible with photographs before they move anything so that complete damage assessments can be made.

In the process of removing debris, please do not pile it into state roads. Doing so may block access to rescue vehicles and other essential traffic.

Building Inspectors from the Office of State Fire Marshall are going house to house performing damage assessments to homes impacted by Tropical Storm Fred.  If inspectors determine that the damage is severe enough your electricity may be turned off to prevent further damage to property or life.

If your electricity is turned off, please go to Haywood County Building Inspections, 157 Paragon Parkway, Clyde NC 28721 to get a temporary electricity permit. Haywood County has waived the permit fee for this service. 

For those returning to damaged homes, be aware that homes that have already been inspected will have color-coded tags — Red, Yellow, or Green, that signify the level of damage, red is severe, yellow, moderate, and green, minimal. 

All homes that are tagged will need a permit to begin restoration work. Homeowners should seek the assistance of Haywood County Building Inspections at 157 Paragon Pkwy.

Mobile home restoration and repair will require evaluation & certification by a professional engineer, please ask the building inspection office for assistance with this.

Residents hoping to access active search areas are being asked to present identification before entering restricted areas.

Resources

An emergency resource and recovery website (www.recoverhaywood.com) will launch tomorrow as a central location for citizens to find official resources and information for storm recovery.

The emergency shelter at Tuscola High School is now closed. Anyone still needed long or short -term shelter should contact the helpline number.

Storm-Assistance Helpine:  828-356-2022

Hours of operation:  8 a.m. to 8 p.m. M- F, 

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Please call 828-452-6666 after 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Types of assistance available through the helpline:

  • Food, housing assistance

  • Special needs assistance

  • Volunteer or donation opportunities

  • Other storm-related needs

 

Where to donate items:

  • Helping Haywood: 289 Industrial Park Drive Waynesville

  • HCC Small Business Building:  144 Industrial Park Drive

  • Please do not take donations to Bethel Baptist, they are out of space.

 

Locations to receive assistance:

  • Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716 – clothing, children’s clothing, food, water, toiletries

  • Canton First Baptist Church: 74 Academy Street Waynesville – food, water, toiletries

  • Faith Community Church: 289 Industrial Drive Waynesville – food, water, toiletries

 

Those affected by storm damage will find meals are available at Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716

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